Escaping the Valley of Death? Comparing shale gas technology prospects to nuclear and solar in Europe

TitleEscaping the Valley of Death? Comparing shale gas technology prospects to nuclear and solar in Europe
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsGoldthau, A., and M. LaBelle
Journal titleJournal of World Energy Law and Business
Year2014
Pages93-111
Volume7
Issue2
Abstract

Shale gas developments in the USA have led to a hype about the energy security prospects for other world regions, eager to replicate the American success story. In Europe, shale gas developments have remained in their infancy. As we argue in this piece, it is likely that this situation will continue and the shale gas ‘revolution’ is one that remains restricted. We compare shale gas technology to solar and nuclear, each at the time coined a game changer for energy security, and hyped as key to a sustainable energy future. We argue that shale gas perceived as an unproven and risky technology, fails to surpass essential policy, industry and social barriers required for a new energy technology innovation to succeed.

DOI10.1093/jwelb/jwt020
Unit: 
Energy Policy Research Group (EPRG)